A Study on most abundantly utilized timber for structural application in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Day to day demand for timber is increasing as a natural construction material due to its performance, stability, aesthetic, durability and been environmentally friendly. Different timber species have distinct characteristics and those are selected for different applications based on their characteristics. Value of timber varies with physical and mechanical properties and their quality can be improved by thermal and chemical modifications. An industrial survey was conducted to identify most abundantly utilized timber for structural applications in Sri Lanka. Industrial survey was conducted as two distinct surveys such as clusters-based survey and the company-based survey. Under cluster-based survey, 23 clusters; saw mills and treatment plants which were located in Moratuwa, Moratumulla, Koralawella, Pannipitiya and Swarapola were selected. For company-based survey, 3 companies in Colombo district following international standards contributing on large scale were selected. Research discussion conveys demand for application of imported timber has been increased because the availability of locally sourced structural timber is rare and expensive. Treated local timber has been popular due to its high durability resistance to the pests and their dimensional stability. From the industrial survey data, brushing, spraying, kiln drying; dipping and impregnation were identified as utilizing preservative techniques which have been using in Sri Lanka. Different species have been popular for different structural components in structural application. Based on cluster-based survey for the results revealed different timber species for different timber applications; rafters- Palu timber, beams- Kempass timber, reapers- Alastonia timber and door/ window frames- Jak timber were mostly utilized. And results from company based survey mostly utilized timber are Jak timber for rafters, Jak timber for beams, Ginisapu timber for rafters and variety timbers such as Ketakela, Mahogany, Jak and Teak for door window frames